On Tue, 5 Apr 2005 15:45:12 -0700 (PDT), Gautam Mukunda wrote > I've seen him on TV and found him to be a stunningly > unimpresive figure...
I've been following his writings for 20 years, finally heard him speak in person a few weeks ago, and talked to him for a short time about how on earth one can participate in today's media without having one's words misused to cause more harm than good. It doesn't bother me a bit if he doesn't come across well in the media. That's probably a bonus in today's media environment. The Weekly Standard just ran an > article on him: > http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/441oqlsg. asp This article misses the big points that Wallis is making -- the GOP doesn't own religion, and that those who want other choices must offer a real vision. As I said in public recently, it's not just about what we won't do, it's about what we will do. Indeed, Wallis, like Lakoff, is teaching liberals, encouraging them to talk about their values and the religion's role in public life, badly needed lessons in a time when the "opposition party" can't seem to do anything but criticize and complain. I am *certain* there are millions of American Christians who don't agree with conservative views, but haven't a clue how to talk about their faith in public. Wallis and George Lakoff are offering answers, answers that I have found extraordinarily valuable as I struggle with how to talk effectively as I venture back out into the public sphere. As I see it, they're contributing to a more intelligent national conversation than we have today, which we desperately need (hard to imagine it being any less intelligent or more cynical). Following their counsel means letting go of the big-media game of "who's winning the argument" and returning to the higher purpose of public discussion -- making the best decisions for all, based on our values, not our power. They've taught me a great deal that helps me resist my natural tendency to criticize. I suspect that you are as aware as anyone of that trait in me, so what do you think? Is this a good thing at the microscopic level of our discussions here, if I am thus better able to refrain from criticizing, instead speaking to the values I hold? Nick _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
